Bombers DFA beloved Cabrera

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The New York Yankees designated infielder Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for pitcher Clarke Schmidt’s activation from the injured list. This roster change highlights the team’s focus on pitching depth and increased competition for infield positions, making Cabrera a likely waiver candidate despite his strong minor league performance.

The New York Yankees designated infielder Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment on Wednesday to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the activation of pitcher Clarke Schmidt from the 60-day injured list. The move, announced ahead of the team’s 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins in 13 innings at Target Field, marks the end of Cabrera’s extended tenure with the organization.

Cabrera, who has been with the Yankees for several years and remains a fan favorite, appeared in just three major league games this season. The 24-year-old spent most of the year with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where he posted a .288 batting average and a .790 on-base plus slugging (OPS). This followed his return from a significant injury last May, when he suffered a broken ankle sliding into home plate in a game against Seattle.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone described the decision as “very difficult,” praising Cabrera’s character, work ethic, and competitiveness. “You’re fortunate to come across... guys on this team that you just admire and respect and love doing the job with on a daily basis, and Oswaldo’s right there at the top of that list,” Boone said. He expressed confidence that Cabrera would have a successful career regardless of where he plays next.

The Yankees’ choice to DFA Cabrera reflects a strategic roster adjustment aimed at preserving pitching depth. With Schmidt’s return from injury, the team opted against moving reliever Fernando Cruz to the 60-day injured list, thereby keeping the pitcher eligible for this season. Additionally, the club’s infield and utility corps have grown more crowded, challenging Cabrera’s path back to the majors. Utility players Max Schuemann and José Caballero are both currently on the major league roster, while top prospect Anthony Volpe has also contributed defensively since his recall.

With Cabrera’s designation, the Yankees exposed him to waivers, where he is expected to attract interest due to his recent offensive performance and versatility. The move underscores the competitive nature of roster management in baseball, balancing player development, injury recovery, and team needs over the course of a long season.

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